Systems and methods of customized television programming over the internet

ABSTRACT

A production facility receives program content from a plurality of broadcast feeds over the Internet. In an embodiment, the production facility comprises server on a computer network, such as the Internet. The server comprises computer programs configured to manipulate the audio and video data of the multiple program contents. At the production facility, the program content can be manipulated to produce a production. Program manipulation can comprise at least one of green screen technology, music, graphics, Foley, sound effects, voice over, advertising, or the like. The production is broadcast over the computer network to viewers, where the viewers receive the production. In an embodiment, the production is customized based on the viewers&#39; input received while broadcasting. In other words, the production is customized in real time based at least in part on the interaction of the production with the viewers. In another embodiment, the viewers can further manipulate the program content of the production to create a new production, which can be broadcast over the customized programming system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto,are hereby incorporated by reference into this application under 37 CFR1.57.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to an interactive broadcastsystem and method, and more particularly to manipulating contentreceived over the Internet to create customized programming andbroadcasting the customized programming over the Internet to viewers.

Description of the Related Art

Traditional television programming relies on program content beinggenerated in the broadcast studio or received from a communicationssatellite, microwave link, landline, or cable from a remote mobileproduction unit. Producers at a single studio location manipulate theprogram content to produce television programs, which are broadcast tothe viewing audience. The television programs are not customized in realtime to a particular audience at the time of the broadcast based onviewer input received at the time of the broadcast. Further, televisionprograms are not produced by multiple producers who are geographicallydispersed and/or addressing disparate audiences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The interactive television system allows multiple broadcasters to shareprogramming with other broadcasters, producers, directors, or artistsfor distribution to viewers over a broadband and/or peer-to-peernetworks.

In an embodiment of the invention, a production facility receivesprogram content from a plurality of broadcast feeds over the Internet.In an embodiment, the production facility comprises a server on acomputer network, such as the Internet. The server comprises computerprograms configured to manipulate the audio and video data of themultiple program contents. At the production facility, the programcontent can be manipulated to produce a production. In an embodiment,the production facility comprises multiple production facilities.Program manipulation comprises at least one of live interaction ofmultiple feeds, green screen technology, music, graphics, Foley, soundeffects, voice over, advertising, and the like. The production isbroadcast over the computer network to viewers, where the viewersreceive the production. In an embodiment, the production is customizedbased on the viewers' input received while broadcasting. In other words,the production is customized in real time based at least in part on theinteraction of the production with the viewers. In another embodiment,the viewers can further manipulate the program content of the productionto create a new production, which can be broadcast over the computernetwork. In yet another embodiment, a second producer can furthermanipulate the program content of the production to create a newproduction.

In an embodiment, a method of producing interactive television comprisesreceiving over the Internet a plurality of programming content, wherethe plurality of programming content is received from multiple sources,receiving over the Internet viewer input, manipulating the programmingcontent based at least in part on the viewer input to create acustomized production, where the manipulation occurs in real time as theviewer input is received, and transmitting the customized productionover the Internet to at least one viewer.

In another embodiment, an interactive television network comprises aplurality of programming content, where the plurality of programmingcontent is provided by a plurality of content providers, a productionfacility that receives the plurality of programming content from theInternet, where the production facility manipulates the programmingcontent to create a production, and viewer input received over theInternet at the production facility, where the production is customizedbased at least in part on the viewer input substantially at the time theproduction facility receives the viewer input.

In a further embodiment, a computer program for producing interactivetelevision comprises computer code stored on computer-readable mediaconfigured to receive programming content from multiple sources over theInternet, computer code stored on computer-readable media configured toreceive viewer input from viewers over the Internet, computer codestored on computer-readable media configured to manipulate theprogramming content based at least in part of the viewer input to createa customized production, where the customized production is createdsubstantially when the viewer input is received, and computer codestored on computer-readable media configured to transmit the customizedproduction over the Internet to the viewers.

In yet a further embodiment, a method of producing interactivetelevision comprises receiving over the Internet a plurality ofprogramming content. The plurality of programming content is receivedfrom multiple sources. The method further comprises receiving over theInternet viewer input, manipulating the programming content to create acustomized production, where the manipulation occurs in real time, andtransmitting the customized production over the Internet to at least oneviewer.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is tobe understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achievedin accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, theinvention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein withoutnecessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggestedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A general architecture that implements the various features of theinvention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Thedrawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrateembodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of theinvention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used toindicate correspondence between referenced elements.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interactive television programmingsystem, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating content providers and examples ofcontent of the interactive television programming system, according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the production system of the interactivetelevision programming system, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating viewers of the interactivetelevision system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the interactive television method,according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of theinteractive television programming system.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of theinteractive television programming system.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of theinteractive television programming system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of theinteractive television programming system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interactive television programmingsystem 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. The interactivetelevision programming system 100 comprises a plurality of contentproviders 102, a production system 104, and at least one viewer 106. Thecontent providers 102 transmit a plurality of audio, visual, oraudio-visual content to the production system 104 through acommunication medium 108. In an embodiment, the content comprisesstreaming media, streaming video, streaming audio, streaming audio andvideo, and the like.

The production system 104 receives the plurality of content from contentproviders 102 through the communication medium 108 and manipulates thecontent to produce a production. In an embodiment, the production system104 can manipulate the content by editing, adding, deleting, or changingmusic, commentary, graphics, sound effects (Foley), advertisements,video, and the like. In another embodiment, the production system 104can manipulate the content using keying technology, holographictechnology, and the like.

The production system 104 transmits or broadcasts the production throughthe communication medium 108 to the viewers 106. In an embodiment, theproduction system 104 also transmits the production through thecommunication medium 108 to the content providers 102. In an embodiment,the production comprises at least one of streaming media, streamingvideo, streaming audio, streaming audio and video, and the like.

Focusing now on the communication medium 108, in one embodiment, thecommunication medium is the Internet, which is a global network ofcomputers. In other embodiments, the communication medium 108 can be anycommunication system including by way of example, dedicatedcommunication lines, telephone networks, wireless data transmissionsystems, two-way cable systems, customized computer networks,interactive kiosk networks, interactive television networks, and thelike.

The viewers 106 receive the production from the production system 104through the communication medium 108. In an embodiment, the viewers sendviewer input to the production system 104 and/or the content providers102 through the communication medium 108.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the plurality ofcontent providers 102, where each content provider 102 comprises anaudio-visual recorder comprising at least one of a video recorder 204and a microphone or other audio source 206. The content provider 102further comprises an encoder 208. In another embodiment, the contentprovider 102 further comprises pre-recorded audio-visual elements, suchas video, photographs, music, and the like.

The content provider 102 captures events 202 using the audio-visualrecorder to create content. Examples of audio-visual recorders include,but are not limited to digital cameras, cell phones, personal digitalassistants, computers, laptop computers, microphones, open sourcesoftware recording systems, web 2.0 software based recording systems,digital workstations, multi-track recorders, tape machines, and filmcameras. To enhance the recording procedure, producers may use digitalconverters, sound and audio cards, preamps, mixing consoles, signalprocessors, midi sequencers, speaker systems, turntables, recording,editing and animation software, and the like.

The events 202 can be sports, business, entertainment, education,current events, and the like. For example, the content provider 102 canrecord a football game, a high school track meet, an auction, courtproceedings, or the like, along with the associated audio. Examples ofbusiness events include a meeting, a conference call, a sales seminar,and the like. Other examples of content comprise a concert, a musicschool's recital, breaking news, interviews, a lecture, a teacherteaching a class or demonstrating a skill, and the like.

In an embodiment, the encoder 208 receives the output of thecamera/video recorder 204 and the output of the microphone 206 andencodes the information for transmission through the communicationmedium 108 to the production system 104. In an embodiment, the encodercomprises a 2-way encoder, which permits the content provider 102 tosend and receive content.

In another embodiment, the encoder 208 comprises a software basedencoder, such as Microsoft Windows Media Encoder 9.0, and the like. Thesoftware based encoder 208 runs on a computer and connects to thecommunication medium 108 through the computer.

In yet another embodiment, the encoder 208 comprises a hardware basedencoder, such as DSP Research Models DS-400xHI, DS-400xHCI, DB-1004C,and DS-80xxHI, VBrick Systems, Inc. Models 9110-6200, 9110-4200,9110-4300, 9110-5200, 9110-5300, 9130-4300, 9130-6200, 9170-4200,9190-4200, and 9190-4300, and the like. The hardware based encoder 208connects to a computer and then to the communication medium 108 throughthe computer, or connects directly to the communication medium 108 usingthe encoder's unique Internet Protocol address.

In an embodiment, the content provider 102 further comprises an InternetProtocol (IP) address that identifies the content provider 102 fortransmitting and receiving the communications through the communicationmedium 108. An Internet Protocol address is a unique address thatdevices use in order to identify and communicate with each other on acomputer network utilizing the Internet Protocol standard. Anyparticipating network device, such as routers, computers, time-servers,printers, Internet fax machines, telephones, mobile phone, personaldigital assistants, wireless handheld devices, smart phone, and the likecomprises a unique IP address.

An IP address can also be thought of as the equivalent of a streetaddress or a phone number for a computer or other network device on theInternet. Just as each street address and phone number uniquelyidentifies a building or telephone, an IP address can uniquely identifya specific computer or other network device on a network. In addition,an IP address is associated with user information.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the production system 104 of theinteractive television programming system 100, according to anembodiment of the invention. The production system 104 comprises aprocessor 302 and memory 304. The processor 302 executing program logic306 allows the production system 104 to manipulate the content receivedfrom the content providers 102. In one embodiment, the processor 302 isa computer, which is equipped with a modem, DSL interface, or cableinterface. In other embodiments, the processor 302 can be any devicethat allows the user to interact with the system 100 such as, by way ofexample, a computer workstation, a local area network of individualcomputers, a kiosk, a personal digital assistant, an interactivewireless communications device, an interactive television, a cell phone,or the like. In an embodiment, the processor 302 is a server on theInternet.

The processor 302 may comprise one or more computers. The computerscomprise, by way of example, processors, program logic, or othersubstrate configurations representing data and instructions, whichoperate as described herein. In other embodiments, the processors 302can comprise controller circuitry, processor circuitry, processors,general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip microprocessors, digitalsignal processors, embedded microprocessors, microcontrollers and thelike.

The memory 304 comprises the program logic 306 and database 308. In oneembodiment, the program logic 306 may advantageously be implemented asone or more modules. The modules may advantageously be configured toexecute on one or more processors. The modules may comprise, but are notlimited to, any of the following: software or hardware components suchas software object-oriented software components, class components andtask components, processes methods, functions, attributes, procedures,subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode,circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, orvariables.

The database 308 comprises data used by processor 302 executing theprogram logic 306 to manipulate the content to produce the production.In an embodiment, the database 308 comprises audio, such as music, liveor prerecorded, sound effects, such as automated or automatic dialogreplacement (ADR) and Foley, graphics, advertisements, keying templates,stored audio and video clips, film stock, synthetic 3-D imagery,animations, backdrops, digital still photographs, text, and the like.

The production system 104 manipulates the program content to produce theprogram in a variety of ways. In embodiment, a director using theproduction system 104 manipulates the program content. In anotherembodiment, the content provider 102 comprises the production system104. Examples of manipulation include, but are not limited to, addingsound effects (ADR, Foley), music, commentary, graphics, subtitles,language translation, animation, digital and analog special effects,visual special effects, computer generated imagery (CGI), color grading;editing the received content; inserting advertisements; compositing;digital compositing (optical effects); performing voice over, digitalcinema technology; using keying technology; sound design and sounddesigners' actions; and the like.

Types of keying technology include, but are not limited to luminancekeying, external keying, downstream keying, and chromakeying.Chromakeying, also referred to as green screen technology or blue screentechnology, allows multiple presenters, such as commentators, actors,journalists, politicians, athletes, experts in their field, and the likefrom multiple locations to stream content together. The green screentechnology allows the director to place digitally each presenter intoone digital setting. To the viewers 106, the presenters appear to be asif they are interacting on the same set.

For example, using chromakey technology, the production system 104 cansimulate a panel of commentators within the same set or room, while inactuality, different content providers 102 in different locations areeach transmitting one of the panel member's audio and video to theproduction system 104. In another example, the production system can addmusic or sound effects to video compiled from more than one contentprovider 102. In another example, the production system 104 can insertadvertisements into the production. By knowing the viewers' InternetProtocol address, the advertisements can be tailored to the individualviewers preferences, based at least in part on the program the viewer106 selects along with other data compiled on IP addresses through allembodiments herein. Other examples of the production system's ability tomanipulate the content are provided in the various embodiments of theinteractive television programming system 100 described below.

In an embodiment, the production system 104 further comprises theencoder 208, as described above. In an embodiment, the encoder 208 is a2-way encoder 208 and the production system 104 sends and receivescontent and productions through the communication medium.

In another embodiment, the production system 104 further comprises atleast one of the camera/video recorder 204 and the microphone or audiodevice 206, as described above. In an embodiment, the production system104 provides program content.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the viewers 106 of theinteractive television programming system 100, according to anembodiment of the invention. The viewers 106 receive the productionthrough the communication medium 108. The viewer 106 comprises anInternet Protocol address that identifies the viewer on communicationsthrough the communication medium 108. In an embodiment, the viewers 106comprise any device capable of interfacing with the Internet, such as,for example, a computer, a laptop, a cell phone, a mobile phone, aBlackberry, a personal digital assistant, digital TV, high definition TV(HD TV), global positioning system (GPS), which can provide locations ofeach viewer or broadcaster in relationship to an event, camera,production unit, etc., a public broadcasting system in locations such astheaters, malls, stadiums, and the like, a satellite receiver, and thelike,

The viewer 106 joins the interactive television programming system 100by logging on to a URL (uniform resource locator) address, according toan embodiment. In another embodiment, the viewer 106 connects to apeer-to-peer stream. Once the viewer 106 is connected to the system 100,the viewer can be offered multiple channels or networks of channels ofmedia streaming. In an embodiment, the channels offer a catalog of liveor previously recorded events. In another embodiment, the viewer 106 canview more than one event using multiple or split viewing screens. Oncean event is selected, the viewer 106 watches and/or listens to thebroadcast in a media player, such as Windows Media, or QuickTime, forexample. The broadcast process permits the content and advertising to bemodified based at least in part on the viewer's history, preferences, orinteraction during the event.

The viewer's Internet Protocol address also permits the viewer 106 tofunction as a node on a peer-to-peer network 402, according to anembodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4, viewers 106 b,106 c interface with the communication medium 108 and do not provide anode in a peer-to-peer network 402. Viewer 106 d interfaces with thecommunication medium 108 and provides a node on the peer-to-peer network402 d. Network 402 d further interfaces with the plurality of viewers106 e-106 h. Further, the viewer 106 a interfaces with the communicationmedium 108, and provides a node in the peer-to-peer network 402 a. Thepeer-to-peer network 402 a interfaces with additional viewers 106, whichin turn provide additional nodes on additional peer-to-peer networks,such as networks 402 b, 402 c. Thus, a chain of viewers 106 is created.

In an embodiment, the viewers are interactive viewers 106, such thatviewer input from the viewers 106 is transmitted to the productionsystem 104 and/or the content provider 102 through the communicationmedium 108. In an embodiment, the viewer 106 provides viewer input basedat least in part on the production. Viewers 106 provide viewer input byvoting, participating in a content survey, talent scouting, sharing thebroadcast with friends, recommending or critiquing, responding toadvertising, requesting similar programming or elements of programming,such as music, a certain actor, humor, and the like. In the example of atalk show, an expert on the subject or a viewer can be screened and/orapproved off the air, as in talk radio, and can be inserted into abroadcast prior to the broadcast being aired. Other examples of viewerinput include, but are not limited to editing content for personal use,editing content as part of a new broadcast, adding a new voice over orcommentary, inserting text, photos and/or videos to share with friends,interacting with advertising and or advertisers, clicking on anadvertisement inside the broadcast and/or making a purchase, recordingcontent for later viewing, becoming part of a live broadcast, and thelike. Because the broadcast process allows viewer interaction, theviewer 106 plays a role in the broadcast and/or production process.

In an embodiment, the viewer 106 transmits the viewer input to theproduction system 104. In another embodiment, the viewer 106 transmitsthe viewer input to the content provider 102. In an embodiment, theproduction system 104 manipulates the program based at least in part onthe viewer input. In another embodiment, the content provider 106changes the programming content based at least in part on the viewerinput. In an embodiment, the changes occur in real time or in otherwords, at substantially the same time the viewer input is received atthe content provider 102 or the production system 104.

In another embodiment, the viewer 106 comprises the production system104 such that the viewer 106 can create a new production using theoriginal production or original programming content. In an embodiment,the new production is broadcast through the communication medium 108 toanother plurality of viewers 106. In another embodiment, the newproduction is broadcast over the peer-to-peer network 402 to anotherplurality of viewers 106.

In an embodiment, after selecting a production, the viewer 106 isoffered several interactive viewing options. The options can be embeddedin the channel page or as part of the media player. The options can beoperated by selecting icons or key words, key commands, voiceactivation, or the like. The options include the ability to edit orreplace visual media, such as video, photographs, and the like,commentary, music, text, and the like. The viewer 106 can select newcommentary with the option of keeping the original commentary orreplacing the commentary. The interactive software allows the viewer tomanipulate the production for the creation of a new live broadcast. Inanother embodiment, the new production is stored for a delayedbroadcast. The viewer 106 can ignore the options and simply watch and/orlisten to the production as it is broadcast.

The interactive edits can change the original broadcast and could allowother viewers 106 entry into a broadcast that was otherwise of no orlittle interest to them. For example, Viewer A 106 selects SportingEvent X, which is offered with an English commentary. Viewer A selects“New Commentary”. In an embodiment, this action mutes the originalcommentary. Using devices, such as a microphone 206 and a sound card,Viewer A 106 records a new commentary in another language that isinserted into the production. Viewer A keeps this commentary private,for personal use, for example, or offers it to other viewers 106.Instead of the original English commentary streaming in, the newcommentary in another language streams out. The channel in theinteractive television programming system 100 offering the SportingEvent X with an English commentary now also offers the Sporting Event Xwith the commentary in the new language. Rather than a new language, thenew commentary can be another interpretation of the event.

In another embodiment of interactive viewing, the viewer 106 can select“New Video”, which allows the insertion of new video, and/or thedeletion of the current video. For example, Viewer A is an alumnus whoedits into the broadcast production “new video” of old sporting events.In an embodiment, the new video can be seen in a second media playerwindow, or section of the event broadcast. In another embodiment, theviewer 106 adds photographs to the broadcast production. In anotherexample, the viewer 106 adds visual media to an audio production. In yetanother example, the viewer 106 mutes the existing soundtrack within aproduction and adds his favorite songs. All of the above examples ofinserting new content can include multiple interactive viewers 106 frommultiple locations, who share the editing of the production to createnew productions.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an interactive television process500, according to an embodiment of the invention. In block 510, theproduction system 104 receives programming content from the plurality ofcontent providers 102 through the communication medium 108, such as theInternet. In an embodiment, the program content comprises streamingmedia, such as streaming audio and/or video files. In block 512, theproduction system 104 receives viewer input from at least one viewer106. In an embodiment, the production system 104 receives theprogramming content prior to receiving the viewer input. In anotherembodiment, the programming system 104 receives the viewer input afterreceiving the programming content. In an embodiment, viewer inputcomprises voting, survey results, talent scouting, viewer preferences,viewer information associated with the viewer's IP address, and thelike. For example, viewers 106 vote and/or select the best player, hit,action, play, etc. of a sporting event. These viewer selections allowthe producers and directors of the original content to highlight thesescenes for future broadcasts.

In block 514, the production system 104 creates a production bycombining and manipulating the program content. In an embodiment, theprocessor 302 executes the program 306 to manipulate the streaming mediausing keying technology, music, graphics, advertisements, sound effects,stored video, alternate commentary, and the like stored in the database308. In another embodiment, the processor 302 executes the program 306to combine, edit, superimpose, and the like the streaming media. In anembodiment, the production system 104 manipulates the streaming media,based at least in part on the viewer input. In an embodiment, theproduction is modified at substantially the same time the viewer inputis received. In another embodiment, the production is modified based atleast in part on the viewer input in real time.

In block 516, the production system 104 transmits the production to theviewers 106. In an embodiment, the viewers 106 send viewer input as aresult of receiving the production. In another embodiment, the viewer106 sends the viewer input to the production system 104. In anotherembodiment, the viewer 106 sends the viewer input to the contentproviders 102. In this scenario, the process 500 loops between blocks510, 512, 514, 516, and the production can be modified based on theviewer input to create new productions. In another embodiment, theprocess 500 loops between blocks 512, 514, and 516.

In another embodiment, the viewer 106 functions as the production system104, and modifies the original production to create a new production(block 514). The viewer 106 can transmit the production to new viewers106 over the peer-to-peer networks 402 (block 516). The process 500 endsin block 518.

In an embodiment, the process 500 places no limit on the number ofproducers and/or directors involved in a production. Producers anddirectors may stream content to meet the standards of their availablebandwidth or the needs of their viewers. In an example, four producersfrom different locations stream high definition video programming to adirector who, using keying technology creates a live interactive productfor distribution directly to multiple viewers and to additional viewersthrough peer-to-peer networks. In another example, the four producersstream broadcast quality video programming to the director. Eachproducer feeds a video stream into the encoder 208.

From the encoder 208, the content is streamed over the communicationmedium 108 into the interactive television programming system 100, 600,700, 800, 900. The director, also using an encoder 208 can interact witheach producer individually or as a group. In this example, the directorreceives the four video streams to view on four screens. The directoredits the highlights from each producer onto yet another screen. Thedirector manipulates the four streams using a green screen giving theappearance that the four productions appear in one location. Thedirector also adds music, voice over, graphics, additional footage,advertising, and the like in real time to enhance the final production.This final production is a mixture of multiple original feeds andcontent that is encoded and delivered over the communication medium 108as a single stream to the viewers 106. This single stream is much lessbandwidth constrained than the original multiple stream content.

The process 500 allows multiple broadcasters and/or producers to streammedia data from multiple locations to create a product. Each broadcasteris able to stream unedited video and/or audio to the production system104. The production system 104 collates the incoming streams in realtime to create a production.

In an embodiment, viewers 106 become content providers 102. For example,some viewers 106 can be interactively involved in the production byadding video and/or audio, such as their opinions or music to theproduction. The producers can choose to include the opinions of theviewers 106 in their live edits or for post event commentary.

In an embodiment, the process 500 enables the live broadcast of an eventto include multiple audio and video options for viewers 106. This couldinclude multiple language options, and or multiple production optionssuch as video edits, audio edits, and the like.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of aninteractive television programming system 600. The interactivetelevision programming system 600 comprises an audio/visual source 602,an encoder 604, a broadcasting network comprising a server 606 and thecommunication medium 108, and the plurality of viewers 106. In anembodiment, the server 606 comprises the production system 104.

The encoder 604 encodes the audio/visual source 602 and transmits theencoded audio/visual data over the broadcasting network to the server606. The server 606 manipulates the received audio/visual data to createa production and transmits the production over the broadcasting networkfor distribution to the viewers 106.

Examples of encoders 604 are software based encoders, such as MicrosoftWindows Media Encoder 9.0, and hardware based encoders, such as DSPResearch Models DS-400xHI, DS-400xHCI, DB-1004C, DS-80xxHI, VBrickSystems, Inc. Models 9110-6200, 9110-4200, 9110-4300, 9110-5200,9110-5300, 9130-4300, 9130-6200, 9170-4200, 9190-4200, and 9190-4300,and the like. The software based encoder runs on a computer and connectsto the communication medium 108 through the computer. The hardware basedencoder connects to a computer and then to the communication medium 108through the computer, or connects directly to the communication medium108 using the encoder's unique Internet Protocol address.

In an embodiment, the encoder 604 interfaces with the communicationmedium 108 over any adequate connection method 608, such as, forexample, a digital subscriber line (DSL), asymmetric digital subscriberline, symmetric digital subscriber line, satellite, wireless, T1, cable,and cell phone, and the like.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the server 606 interfacesdirectly with the main communications bus of a telecommunicationscompany. Incorporating a tier for the Ethernet burstable pipe up toinfinity permits the interactive broadcast system 600 to use one accesspipe. In an embodiment, the server 606, software, and the like arepre-configured to burst to 100 Mb Ethernet protocol to avoid time delaysand additional costs related to a transition from one circuit type tothe other.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of aninteractive television programming system 700. In the process 500associated with the interactive television programming system 700, anauthor 702 creates an item 704, which is broadcast over an interactivebroadcast network 706. In an embodiment, the interactive broadcastnetwork 706 comprises the production system 104 and the communicationmedium 108. The author 702 comprises a broadcaster 702, a director 702,a journalist 702, and the like. The item 704 comprises a production 704,a broadcast 704, and the like.

The item 704 is received by customers through the interactive broadcastnetwork 706. The customers comprise interactive customers 708 andnon-interactive customers. The interactive customers 708 and thenon-interactive customers 710 comprise fans 708, 710, executives 708,710, board members 708, 710, journalists 708, 710, an audience 708, 710,and the like, respectively. The interactive customers 708 interact withthe author 702 over the interactive broadcast network 706.

The authors 702 and the customers 708, 710 can use portable audio-visualrecorders such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, laptopcomputers, computers, cameras, video recorders, and the like to recordcontent, and to broadcast, communicate and interact through thecommunication medium 108.

Using satellites, global positioning satellites, wireless technology,Blue Tooth technology, Internet, cable, broadband broadcast technology,analog broadcast technology, and the like, the authors 702 and thecustomers 708, 710 broadcast items 704 from locations devoid ofhard-wired telephonic communication systems, such as landlines, and thelike.

The process 500 enables multiple authors 702 and customers 708 tointeract live to create programming similar to television programming.For example, executives, acting as both authors 702 and customers 708,710, who fly from city to city for board meetings, can conduct aninteractive broadcast 704 from their own office. While multiple authors702 and customers 708, 710 are interacting during a live broadcast, suchas the board meeting 704, two or more interactive customers 710 canchoose to separate from the main broadcast to conduct anotherinteractive broadcast 704, and then return to the board meeting 704. Inan embodiment, multiple viewing windows on each screen and/or multiplescreens allow the interactive process not to interfere with the ‘main’live broadcast.

In an embodiment, the process enables authors 702 to offer customers708, 710 multiple visual and audio options on the same channel in realtime. For example, producers of a sporting event or broadcasters 702 canoffer fans 708, 710 multiple camera streams and or commentaries. Themultiple audio and visual options enable fans 708, 710 to becomedirectors 702 by selecting the offered camera and audio streams tocreate a personalized live production 704 for their viewing. Fans 710can participate during a live broadcast by streaming their owncommentary to other interested fans 710, 708. In an embodiment, fans708, 710 can pause, rewind and fast-forward the live broadcast 704. Fanscan choose to block certain broadcasters 702.

In another example, the process 500 permits a live press conference toinclude journalists 708 from around the world. Each would be able toparticipate and interact in ‘broadcast’ quality live audio/visualstreaming without traveling to the venue. This eliminates the expense oftravel and greatly reduces the often prohibitive costs of production.

The process 500 allows the author 702 to communicate to a largeraudience 708, 710 by offering a variety of commentaries and or multiplelanguages at the same time as the broadcast 704, or live, on the samechannel.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of aninteractive television programming system 800. In this example, acelebrated songwriter or educator 802 conducts a workshop with 10participant songwriters 804. In an embodiment, the 10 participantsongwriters 804 won the right to interact with the celebrated songwriter802 based on their experience and/or because they out bid otherqualified participants. The celebrated songwriter 802 and the 10participant songwriters 804 are streaming ‘broadcast’ quality video fromdifferent locations to an interactive broadband network (IBN) productionsystem 808. In another embodiment, the celebrated songwriter 802 and the10 participant songwriters 804 are streaming high definition video. Adirector 806 manipulates the streams to create a live broadcast forworldwide viewing to a non-interactive viewing audience 810. In anembodiment, the broadcast is also recorded for later viewing, such ason-demand viewing.

In an embodiment, the communications between the celebrated songwriter802, the participant songwriters 804, the director 806, the viewers 810,and the production system 808 occur through the communication medium108. In other embodiments, at least one communication path between thecelebrated songwriter 802, the participant songwriters 804, the director806, the viewers 810, and the production system 808 occur through thecommunication medium 108.

The embodiment 800 enables students in remote areas to enjoy educationfrom specialized teachers at a more affordable cost than what isavailable to them in their locale. For example, a violin teacher basedin Moscow and a student based in Chicago each log into a designatedcyber room at an agreed time. Each using an encoder, they interact inmuch the same way as if they were in a ‘brick and mortar’ room together.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of aninteractive television programming system 900. A producer 902,representing goods and services, sets up an interactive viewingexperience for a consumer 904 using a production system 916. In anembodiment, the production system 916 comprises the digital camera 204,the microphone 206, the encoder 208, the processor 302, the program 306,and the database 308.

Consumers 904 viewing the site or channel interact with a concierge orreceptionist 906 for assistance. The concierge 906 introduces theconsumer 904 to others in the sales chain, such as sales representative908, customer service representatives 910, product specialists 912, andthe like, in the same manner that the concierge 906 directs the consumer904 upon entering a showroom or department store. As well as affectingan immediate sale, the sales representative 908 can also up sell orengage the services at the same time of the product specialist 912, andthe like. In this example, the consumer 904 also interacts with atrusted adviser 914. In an embodiment, the trusted advisor 914 comprisesan expert in the product or field. The consumer 904 and trusted adviser914 can choose to interact privately to discuss the sale.

In an embodiment, the communications between the producer 902, theconsumer 904, the concierge 906, the sales representative 908, thecustomer service representative 910, the product specialist 912, thetrusted advisor 914, and the production system 916 occur through thecommunication medium 108. In other embodiments, at least onecommunication path between the producer 902, the consumer 904, theconcierge 906, the sales representative 908, the customer servicerepresentative 910, the product specialist 912, the trusted advisor 914,and the production system 916 occurs through the communication medium108.

The interactive television programming system 900 fosters an ongoingrelationship with the consumer 904, the development of dedicated productprogramming, training, up selling, and the like. Customer interactionalso helps develop new programming, which can be viewed by the nextgeneration of consumers 904. With the possibility of creating aninteractive network, retailers and manufactures are able to entertainand interact with consumers 904 while enjoying direct sales.

The following examples illustrate various embodiments and uses of theinteractive television programming system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900.

In an embodiment, the interactive television programming system 100,600, 700, 800, 900 can be used for an auction. In this embodiment,consumers engage the services of different trusted advisers while aproducer offers the expertise and services of one or more auctioneers.The process 500 allows for live interactive auctions with a worldwideparticipating audience. Multiple participants engage in an interactivebroadcast (stream) to buy, sell, or compete for the right to buy or sellproducts. An auctioneer monitors the incoming streams and directs a livebroadcast. The auction can be viewed by people from around the world whoare not participating in the auction. The live broadcast of the auctionto the non-participating audience creates a type of reality TVphenomenon that entices more potential buyers and sellers to the site orchannel. This creates more advertising opportunities.

In another embodiment, a financial transaction could take place betweentwo or more viewers (buyers and sellers) during an interactive event. Inone example, a viewer could respond to an advertisement inside abroadcast event. This action could open up a second viewing windowallowing ‘real-time’ interaction between buyer and seller. Thenegotiation and transferring of funds could be conducted in a privateand secure interactive environment utilizing such transaction methods ascredit, debit and check cards, PayPal, electronic checking, andelectronic fund transfers and the like. In another example, a viewercould interact with a bank teller to deposit and withdraw monies.

In another embodiment, the process 500 creates an interactive salessystem. Buyers no longer have to rely on a photo of a product, but canview a product demonstration. For example, a seller of a vintage guitarcan play the guitar or focus the camera on any feature of interest tothe buyer. The system supports multi-languages so that buyers andsellers from around the world can interact with the benefit ofsimultaneous language translation. Sellers are able to up-sell relatedproducts and services to buyers.

In another example, a retailer could set up a unique channel or networkof channels that would appeal to potential clients and customers whichoffer interactive viewing experiences on various product lines. In thesame way that a visitor to a major shopping center calls for theassistance of a salesperson, the interactive television programmingsystem 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 solves that problem for online shoppers.For example, a live cyber salesperson can direct the online customer toany product, site, store, or department or help complete a sale. As thecustomer and salesperson interact in high quality audio/visualstreaming, a faster and more enjoyable shopping experience occurs. Acyber sales team is able to interact with multiple customers inaudio/visual real time.

The customer is also able to interact with multiple customer service orsales agents at the same time, using multiple windows, for example, inpursuit of better service. The process enables customer service, companyinformation, and sales on the Internet to be more personal.

For example, a business sets up a plurality of monitors in a receptionarea. As a customer enters, the receptionist on the first monitorwelcomes the customer and provides any pertinent information. Thecustomer asks to talk to the manager. The receptionist contacts themanager. The manager either comes to the reception area or enters intoan interactive discussion via a second monitor. The process also enablesmanufacturers to demonstrate new product development and interact withmultiple sales teams around the world.

In another example, a manufacturer of a new guitar amplifier is able todemonstrate the complexities of the product in real time to vendorsaround the world. For example, an interactive vendor from Zurich wouldbe able to broadcast an audio stream of a guitar part that he is playinglive into the guitar amplifier in Los Angeles and listen to the productin real time. This saves both the manufacturer and vendor the cost oftravel and shipping sample units.

In another embodiment, an online music warehouse channel comprisesbroadcast quality video and audio media content featuring musicalinstrument demonstrations. Retailers can select from a variety of mediacontent streams to showcase instruments to their customers. Thecustomers can view and or listen to different and/or competing modelsand/or make a purchase. Multiple customers can also interact with liveprofessional musicians showcasing the products of interest.

Another embodiment enables a business to employ a receptionist based ina separate location and via interactive broadcasting the receptionistcommunicates with multiple customers in real time from around the world.A receptionist is able to represent many clients or businesses in highquality audio/visual media interaction. The process 500 allows areceptionist or salesperson based in India, for example, to greet andinform customers from all over the world.

The process 500 encourages the development of television type broadcastsfor business to business communities. For example, a Product Sponsor hasa relationship with 1,000's of Financial Advisors. Each FinancialAdviser has a list of 300 to 500 clients. The Product Sponsor canschedule a live broadcast event to include several Top FinancialAdvisors (in their specialty) and Celebrity Expert Guests who arerecognized as experts on the subject (and/or product type). The ProductSponsor can also invite all of the Financial Advisors who in turn caninvite their clients. Each participator can broadcast and interact fromtheir own location while the clients of the Financial Advisors can beviewing (and or interacting with) the broadcast from their home oroffice. The broadcast may also be open to the public for generalviewing. The Product Sponsor or company providing this service can actas director (or moderator) and can utilize green screen technology tocreate a type of TV experience. This could allow each participant toappear as if in the same room or TV set. This process could be ofparticular interest and benefit to the Financial Advisor who can be seen(by his viewing client base) discussing financial and investingstrategies with other Financial Advisors, the Sponsor, and CelebrityExpert Guests. A client could interact with his/her Financial Advisor toask a question, who in turn could follow this up directly with theCelebrity Expert Guest. This could lift the profile of the FinancialAdvisor amongst his/her client base. This ‘private’, target market livebroadcast can also provide unique opportunities to Product Sponsors toallow them to explain the benefits of the product to thousands ofFinancial Advisors and hundreds of thousands of potential investorssimultaneously. The process can continue as the recorded content can beviewed again (any time) by the clients or new clients. The content canalso be edited repeatedly by the Financial Advisors to create newcontent and new broadcasts targeted to their clients. These actionspromote the Sponsor's product repeatedly to potential investors.

The interactive television system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 can be used tocreate news and current affairs programming by allowing correspondents(amateur or professional) from around the world to gather news storiesand up load the content. An example of this is a news story about aplane crash. One witness up loads several photographs, and anotherwitness provides a different piece of video evidence. Another membercreates a podcast describing the event, while another edits the threeelements together, adding music, graphics, and advertisements from thecontent library. The new production is then broadcast across theinteractive network. Other broadcasters can also use elements of thisproduction in a new production about the incident. In an embodiment, thecontent owners share in the revenues garnered from advertising insertedin the productions.

In another embodiment, events broadcast to and from night clubs or othersimilar venues can use the process 500. Fans from one club can interactwith fans from another. Promoters can view voters' response anddemographic interest for the purposes of booking artists into venues.The interaction of fans can create new methods of advertising within theInternet market place. Fans can be offered incentives to participate incontinued or perpetual market research. Customers can also be given therights to view live entertainment venues, such as clubs, theaters, andthe like.

In an embodiment, venues, such as clubs, theaters, malls, hotels, andthe like use the interactive television system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900to include live interactive events. By staging an interactive broadcast,a hotel, for example, is able to draw upon the customer bases associatedwith such events as sports, book signings, literature readings, businessconferences, etc. The venues develop a unique marketing approach forlive interactive broadcasting within industries and markets that drawcustomers into their establishments.

For example, a niche producer, or broadcaster can create a partnershipwith a hotel to develop a live interactive broadcasting service. Thehotel sets up a room, such as a banquet room, for example, as a TVproduction set. This would allow presenters, such as local teachers,authors, artists, public speakers, politicians, and the like to havetheir own platform for broadcasting. The producer and the hotel are ableto provide a setting, production expertise, and worldwide broadcastingcapabilities that would otherwise be unavailable to the presenter. Thepresenters draw their fan base or customers and related business to thehotel. The ability to broadcast live events to a niche market greatlyenhances the business of hotels and other event centers.

In another embodiment, the process 500 encourages members to invest inthe future success of a product, a company, an artist, or anothermember. The members' interest and financial investment enable thedevelopment of the new product. This embodiment can encourage members tocreate and develop a new label, company, and the like. For example, amember likes the sound of a band, which is broadcasting over theinteractive television system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 and believes thatthe band has a future. The member invests money into an account. Whenthe account has the desired amount for production, the band creates aproduct. This process helps new artists develop their craft with thepossibility of creating a product. The fan involvement demonstrates themarketability of the new artist. Major product developers would thenhave more confidence in promoting the artist. The presale of product(and/or investment) could also provide the fan with a percentage offuture earnings of the product and/or the ‘artist’.

The process 500 can develop talent and skills within the membership orviewing and interacting community. In another embodiment, professionalsskilled in their chosen craft or master craftsmen broadcastdemonstrations to viewers interested in the mentoring programs of mastercraftsmen.

For example, a young man wanting to be a sports commentator enrolls inan interactive lessons program for sports and media broadcasters, hostedby various celebrity commentators. The system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900allows multiple participants to interact with the celebrity commentator.In an embodiment, each interactive student pays an agreed amount or bidto be included in the lesson. Once the student passes this stage, hecould continue to study or earn the right to be a commentator inlow-level sporting events, such as high school football, for example.The process allows gifted or hard working novice students to progressthrough the sports casting system. In an embodiment, other members voteor post comments about the student performances. In another embodiment,talent scouts viewing the student performances through the interactivetelevision systems 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 draft the students into newproduction situations. This process would apply to many other broadcastrelated occupations such as editors, musicians, writers, directors,movie producers, authors, actors, etc, and/or other occupations such asdoctors, teachers, fitness trainers, chefs, etc. The efforts of thetalent scout and/or the viewer voting may lead to the student beingoffered a contract or a position in a professional production company.

This method of distance learning allows gifted master craftsmen from allover the world to be involved in the mentoring program. The live lessonscan also be edited into other lessons and or other digital content thatcould be included in other broadcasts.

In yet another example, the tutoring and mentoring of students can bepart of a high school or college program to develop a production andbroadcasting department within the student body. The initial stages oftalent development can also mean that the student/school pays or bids tobe part of the tutoring program, while the production and broadcastingof content could lead to revenue streams.

A teacher can monitor the progress of multiple students in real time.For example, a teacher based in Los Angeles can conduct an interactiveclass with multiple students from around the world. The studentsinteract with each other as if they were in the same classroom. Theinteraction of each student enhances the learning experience of otherstudents. The live broadcast can also be available to non-interactivecustomers.

For example, a Yoga instructor interacts with 50 students, monitoringthe progress of each, and highlighting the activity of one student todemonstrate a position to the others. When a student asks a question,the instructor is able to ‘cut’ to the student's stream so that theproduction item now features the student asking the question. Thestudents are able to participate in an exercise class in real time withother students of similar ability from the comfort of their home.

In another example, the process 500 enables the broadcast of a livediscussion between Bill Clinton and 25 United Nations Delegates todiscuss world hunger. Each participant has the ability to broadcast andreceive a media stream and interact with each other. In this instance,Mr. Clinton acts as the moderator and chooses the broadcasts of eachdelegate to create a montage or production on the subject. While theinteraction is limited to the invited guests, the live broadcast wouldbe open to any interested viewer or customer.

In another embodiment, the interactive television system 100, 600, 700,800, 900 can be used to produce interactive talk shows and bloggingcommentary. The moderator monitors incoming streams to choose the mostentertaining and/or provocative opinions. Customers wanting toparticipate, stream their audio/visual opinions to the moderator and themoderator produces a live item. For example, during a TV or radio typeof talk show broadcast it is common for an audience member to stir upinterest and or controversy by his comments and interaction with thehost. This development of new talent, such as the fan celebrity createsopportunities for other content, which builds around these new ‘hosts’.

In another embodiment, the interactive television system 100, 600, 700,800, 900 can be used to produce interactive radio talk shows andblogging commentary. The moderator monitors incoming streams to choosefrom a number of viewers and to whom to place on the call. It is similarto a talk radio show that has hundreds of callers trying to call in tothe show and ask questions of the host or another guest. In thisembodiment, the caller is both an audio and video caller. The host canselect one or multiple video callers to add to the live production andto interact live with the host or the guest. These multiple videoparticipants add live content to the talk show.

In another embodiment, the interactive television system 100, 600, 700,800, 900 can be used to allow all embodiments herein. Examples of theembodiments include, but are not limited to interactive auctions,interactive retailers, interactive supermarket, interactive auto sales,bank and finance transactions, interactive search engine, interactivegambling, interactive video gaming, interactive graphics, interactiveconstruction, interactive mining, interactive transport, interactiveboardroom, interactive court proceedings, interactive governmentsessions, interactive human resources, interactive entertainment,interactive telecommunications, interactive market research, interactiveinterior design, interactive hotels, interactive business to business,interactive communities, interactive veterinary science, interactivesports, interactive product development, interactive talent search,interactive futures, interactive productions, interactive translation,interactive blue screen, interactive health, and the like.

In an embodiment, individual participants use the television system 100,600, 700, 800, 900 to become their own broadcaster and create their ownpersonal family channel. By embedding the encoder 208 in a set top boxsuch as a TIVO or cable box, the encoder 208 receives the output of thecamera/video recorder 204 and the output of the microphone 206 andencodes the information for transmission through the communicationmedium 108 to the production system 104. The production system 104receives similar live content created by other family membersinteracting on this unique family channel. From the convenience of theirhome in front of their own TV, they can interact and create live contenttogether, watch family movies together, or just interact with familymembers.

In one embodiment, fans unable to speak to the main host can chat withthe fan celebrity. The originators of the talk show can regard this as aspin off that caters to a slightly different audience. The continuationof this process may lead to a multi-channel talk show, with multiplehosts, many of whom were discovered through the interactive broadcastprocess.

In another embodiment, a news or celebrity commentator encourages fansto interact with multiple broadcast responses. In some cases, thesecomments can arouse as much or more interest than the originalcommentator. This creates opportunities to expand the broadcast anddevelop customer interest in the channel.

In another embodiment, advertisers target member broadcasting. Members,who either create broadcasting in response to content, such as movies,news, sporting events, and the like, or by using the production toolsand content pool to create new content for their unique broadcast, canbe targeted by advertisers for advertising placement. For example, amember's commentary on current affairs stirs interest from other membersthat results in a new fan base. Though the commentary is in response toother broadcasts, the new broadcast is unique and advertisers placeadvertising in various forms directly into the new content.

A member or a group of members can create more customer interest in aparticular broadcast than the originator. These members can be viewed as‘scouts’. For example, a customer, watching a live football game,deletes the commentary, adds a new commentary, and then shares this newproduct with friends. In another example, the same football game, whichoffers a commentary in one language, is edited by multiple customers,each replacing the original commentary with his language so that thegame can be enjoyed by a much wider audience. In yet another example,one customer can add other video content, such as highlights of othermatches, for example, to the original content, which creates a newprogram. For example, a fan in Los Angeles is watching a live footballgame featuring his favorite team. The Los Angeles fan adds hiscommentary to the live broadcast and shares the new product with hisfriends or the friends could be commentators and share the experience ofa live game together, each in a different location. This nicheinteractive broadcast could be private or public.

In another example, using green screen technology, multiple sportscommentators from multiple locations can be placed behind the same deskin a TV set to appear as if they are together for the production.

In another example, utilizing holographic technology, multiple producersfrom multiple locations can interact to create a realistic live event inone setting. A violinist from Moscow, a cellist from New York, and apianist from London could play the same piece of music simultaneouslyand broadcast the holographic images and high definition audio throughthe interactive broadcast system. Viewers from around the world could‘project’ the images and sound into the room of their choice to create aunique viewing experience.

Another example of the process 500 could enable producers and or viewerscommunicating in one language to interact in real time with producersand/or viewers communicating in other languages utilizing suchtechnologies such as voice recognition, voice translation, text to voicesynthesis, and the like.

In another example, utilizing such technologies as simultaneous languagetranslation, a person from Canton can share life stories with a personfrom Peru while simultaneously communicating with another person fromZurich. In another example, a French speaking customer can engage theservices of a Cantonese salesperson and conduct a transaction. A ‘cyber’receptionist could be empowered to serve customers from around the worldno matter the language of origin. A broadcaster could stream content inone language while customers listen to the content in their ownlanguage.

In another embodiment, a local bank could expand its business practiceby interacting with customers beyond its immediate locale. The processcould allow smaller financial institutions to offer services appealingto a global market and engage in activities such as internationalinvestment, international loans, currency exchange, and the like. Alocal bank could also offer the services of live interactive financialofficers who, unlike automated banking systems, can up sell the productsand services of the bank to the customers.

In another embodiment, an online store offers the services of a ‘realperson’ to assist visitors in their search and/or research. The searchaide, an expert in a field of study or business, helps the customer(s)to navigate the site, develop the search, discover related topics,goods, and services, and/or make a purchase. Both the customer and thesearch aide communicate and interact using audio and video streams,which can be recorded by either participant.

In another embodiment, commercial vehicles can be equipped to interactwith other vehicles, transport control centers, and the like around theworld. This process comprises satellite, GPS, analog, digital, andbroadband communications. In one example, a flight crew on board acommercial jet aircraft faced with a passenger related medical emergencyrequests the assistance of a doctor based in a city hospital. Equippedwith portable audio and visual broadcasting devices, a flight stewardbroadcasts and interacts with the doctor who in turn broadcasts medicaladvice and assistance to the aircraft.

In another embodiment, comprising such technologies as surround sound,green screen, holographic, and 3D imaging, multiple participantsbroadcasting from multiple locations can be placed inside a board roomand around a table to emulate the experience of a life-like corporatemeeting without all of the participants being in the same location.

In another embodiment, individuals or groups of individuals frommultiple locations can create a shared broadcast that emulates theexperience of sharing quality time together. A young family living inBoise could invite their relatives living in Queens to share a meal timetogether. Using green screen technology the two families could appear tobe sitting around the same table in the same room. The individual familymembers could talk, laugh, and catch up on old times with severalconversations going on at the same time. Utilizing holographic, surroundsound, and/or 3D technologies, the life-like images of the relatives inQueens could be ‘transported’ into the living room of the young familyin Boise.

In another embodiment, a customer uses the interactive process 500 as amulti-channel communications system. The process could allow thecustomer to receive and/or broadcast on many channels or streams,interact with multiple broadcasters, such as friends, family,advertisers, and the like on a split screen or multiple screens, previewor block incoming streams or calls, and or record incoming streams forlater viewing and/or new content distribution.

In another example, two opposing alumni watching the same live eventcould each create a unique product that is made available to theirrespective alumni audience. The new broadcast is not limited by theoriginal content. Each alumnus inserts a new commentary, private jokes,other related game highlights, anything that may be of interest to thisniche viewing audience, and the like. Unique advertising sponsoring thealumni event could also be inserted to target the audience.

In another embodiment, multiple producers and broadcasters can previewmultiple low-resolution media files corresponding to high-resolutionvideo and audio streams from within a multi-window menu during a liveevent. Upon selecting a low-resolution file, the correspondinghigh-resolution stream can be edited into a new live broadcast. In oneexample, each race car involved an Indianapolis 500 event is installedwith a camera and a microphone. The media packages are streamed fromeach car into a content menu for producer preview prior to broadcast.Sponsors, outside producers, and fans can select their favorite driver‘cam’ or the parts of the track that are of most interest to them tocreate their own production which can be then streamed out as a newbroadcast.

In another example, a fan club of the Princeton quarterback produces ashow by selecting the cameras focused on the quarterback and hismovements on and off the field. The special broadcast is available tothe fan club, either on the same channel as the original broadcast oranother dedicated channel.

In yet another example, alumni, or fraternities broadcast their ownunique audio commentary. Though the official game commentary is offeredas part of the original broadcast, the Los Angeles branch of thePrinceton alumni organization broadcasts a more animated or satiricalcommentary while the New York branch of the Harvard alumni organizationbroadcasts a commentary featuring past Harvard players. Each commentaryis available to customers viewing the live broadcast.

In a further example, alumni originally from Beijing and Paris broadcastcommentaries in their native language. While watching the game live,they broadcast their unique spin on the events and the commentary isincluded as an option in the menu of the item's broadcast. Customerscould choose to watch the game and listen to commentary in French orMandarin.

The process associated with the interactive television system 100, 600,700, 800, 900 can enable industries such as sports, fashion, art, filmmaking, screen writing, food and cooking, acting, music, and the like touse an international fan base in the search and discovery of talent. Forexample, a band is searching for a new singer. The band schedules a liveevent with a time for each interested singer who then broadcasts a highquality stream of his performance. Fans can vote, offer opinions, andcompare the talent to other artists. Fans can also enter the search bystreaming a live performance of their singing. The process could allowthe artists receiving the highest votes to be included in a highlightreel sponsored by the interactive television programming system 100,600, 700, 800, 900. This production can be entered into the interactivetelevision programming system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 for continued faninvolvement and could continue with each winner or multiple winnersmoving on towards a record contract.

Multiple live real-time audio/visual streams enable musicians,engineers, singers, actors, directors, and the like to participate in alive production while broadcasting from different locations. Multipleactors from multiple locations broadcast their individual performance toone destination to create a broadcast production as if they were in thesame place. Multiple musicians from multiple locations broadcast theirunique performance in real time to record a piece of music, just as ifthey are in the same studio. Using keying technologies and/orholographic technologies, the final product looks and sounds as if theyare performing in the same location.

In another example, during a live performance, a band streams multiplechannels of audio to a sound engineer in one location while sendingmultiple video streams to a director in another location. Both sets ofmedia streams are edited and mixed live and sent out as one liveproduction. A producer from yet another location inserts otherproduction elements into the live event such as advertising, commentary,background stories, interviews, fan interaction, and the like.

In another example, unmixed audio tracks of a new song are madeavailable as content by a recording artist to a select group of fans whohave won the right to create a mix. Each new mix is broadcast throughthe artist's channel allowing other fans to vote on the best mix.

In another example, a film director offers uncut footage of a new filmwhile a film composer offers a library of music content to a selectgroup of students. Each student edits together film and music elementsto create a new film. Critics, students, fans, and industry leaders cancomment and/or vote on each new work.

The process 500 can also embed advertising into each broadcast based onthe content subject matter, the popularity of a producer, the internetprotocol address of the viewer, and the like.

In another embodiment, artists submit their items to the interactivetelevision system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900, where the items are stored inthe database. A producer searches the database for suitable items andcreates a production. Advertising is inserted into the production. In anembodiment, advertising revenues are paid based at least in part on theviewer input. In another embodiment, the use of each item is tracked andthe corresponding artist is paid a share of the advertising revenuesbased at least in part on the item usage.

The process 500 involves the archiving of multi-visual (media data)productions previously broadcast within the interactive televisionprogramming system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900. In an embodiment, thearchived media is available for parents, coaches, scouts, etc. forpromotional, personal, or business use. The media can be edited tocreate a product. The process 500 helps coaches and scouts evaluate theskills of high school athletes and allows athletes to display theirtalents. The process 500 encourages sponsors, and the like to discoverand grant scholarships to underprivileged athletes. It also is an aid toparents, enabling them to build a multi-media profile on their child'sprogress. The process 500 further comprises teaching parents andathletes how to produce a multi-media highlight reel for promotional orpersonal use by using the interactive television programming system 100,600, 700, 800, 900.

In another embodiment, the interactive process 500 expands the gamingexperience for participants involved in online gaming. Players orcustomers connect to the interactive television programming system 100,600, 700, 800, 900 from different venues, such as clubs, hotels,offices, homes or the like to participate in the gaming process. Theinteractive process 500 engages players and non-interactive viewers in areality TV type of broadcast. This allows niche broadcasters to reachtheir target audience without the high costs of cable or satellitebroadcasting.

In another embodiment, the interactive process 500 expands the gamingexperience for participants involved in interactive video games. Playersbroadcast their game performance while viewing and interacting with theother players. Players interact, access each other's computers, andbroadcast. Team players in different locations are able to communicateand interact with each other privately, before, during, or after theevent.

Non-players are also able to interact or create niche broadcasts ofexisting live or other game performances. Viewing audience members arealso encouraged to participate by broadcasting commentary and or soundtracks. Musical artists add a live sound track to create a uniqueexperience for the gamers and viewers, just like a film score.

In yet another embodiment, interactive court proceedings with attorneys,clients, witnesses, a jury, suspects, and a judge are broadcast. Theparticipants interact without being in the same location. The judgemoderates the broadcast so that each participant views the currentspeaker or other reactions from the participants. The broadcast contentfrom each participating broadcast could be recorded for referral.

In a further embodiment, the process 500 facilitates interactive humanresource activities. For example, an interview with a perspectiveemployee can include multiple interviewers interacting from differentlocations. The employer can perform an online check of the applicantduring the interview.

In another example, a band seeking a bass player auditions manyinterested musicians, each based in a different location. Theinteractive stream allows both the band and the musician to see and heareach other in real time, allowing a natural flow of information. Fans ofthe band could interact and vote for the musician of choice. The faninteraction gives the band a targeted market place response and helpsthem make a business decision.

In a further embodiment, the process 500 facilitates interactive marketresearch. For example, manufacturers test products and/or services withfocus groups made up of individuals who are able to participate in aprivate broadcast production by streaming audio/visual responses. Themarket research is interactive with producers being able to view andmeasure the audio/visual responses, such as body language, and the likeof each participant. The market research broadcast can be streamed to awider audience for those who share an interest in the product orservice. The broadcast, live or prerecorded, can be sold as a product toother complimentary and interested industries.

Entertainment industries, such as film, television, music, and the likecan test pilot concepts to target consumers around the worldsimultaneously using the interactive television programming system 100,600, 700, 800, 900. The consumers broadcast and interact not only withthe producers of such products but also with each other to formdedicated focus groups or fan clubs. This is a very inexpensive form ofmarket research for the entertainment industry and a productive way togather product support. For example, an independent film festival orproduction company can broadcast segments of films to an interactiveaudience for the purposes of discussing each film's merit and possiblerelease. In another example, a record label can broadcast selectedperformances, live or prerecorded, to interactive music fans, which inturn vote and discuss each recording artist's merit. The record label,based on the viewer input, awards the winning artist a contract. Otherexemplary industries that can benefit from interactive market researchcomprise automotive, sporting goods, health products, pharmaceuticals,fashion, and the like.

In an embodiment, the process 500 provides interior design functions.Painters, designers, architects, visual artists, and the like broadcastimages into homes, offices, restaurants, and the like around the world.Using common items, such as walls, furniture, and ceilings, broadcastersstream art beyond the screen and into daily life.

For example, a simple room with white walls takes on the character of alibrary, or a garden simply by creating an illusion, using visual andaudio data streams. A coffee shop in Austin becomes a café in Paris withthe wall and ceiling having the three dimensional effect of peoplesitting at tables, moving traffic, noises, and the like. The broadcastimagery creates some of the aesthetics of a European sidewalk café in anotherwise tepid environment.

In another example, a downtown apartment surrounded by traffic noise andchaos is filled with images of green pastures and a running brook withaudio to match the environment. Instead of painting or wallpapering,white walls become the artists' canvas or the filmmakers' screendisplaying projected scenes of life, colors, and waterfalls.

In another embodiment, advertisers bid for product placement into homesand places of business. The walls, tables, ceiling of restaurants, andmalls provide advertising space much like the billboards along thefreeway. Advertisers buy space on store walls and ceilings to show theirproduct. In an embodiment, the streamed images are projected usingholographic technologies.

Another embodiment comprises content production templates. In oneexample, a high school with a limited budget and limited ‘production’expertise uses pre-qualified music cues, voice overs, graphics,advertisements, and the like to enhance the broadcast of a live sportingevent. With a camera, a microphone, an encoder, and a laptop thesporting event can be captured and by methods, such as ‘drag and drop’,professional production templates are inserted into the live broadcastin real time.

In another embodiment, a medical practitioner or physician in onelocation examines multiple patients from multiple locations. While themedical practitioner and patient(s) interact during the consultationbroadcast, each patients' vital information can also be streamed to thephysician and digitally recorded for later study. Utilizing automatedproduction technologies, a physician can ‘zoom in’ and take a snap shotof any part of the patient's anatomy for further examination. On thebasis of this examination, a physician may suggest a follow-upexamination by a specialist, direct the patient to more specializedhealth care, write a prescription, and/or direct the patient to anonline pharmacy. The patient can also record the event and keep adigital record of the consultation and diagnosis. In one example, adoctor in India sets up an online practice to serve patients in theUnited States without health insurance. The Indian doctor's medicalpractice is broadened while providing a service to patients unable toafford the high costs of regular health care. In another example, adoctor working in a remote location utilizes the expertise of specialistmedical practitioners working in John Hopkins to examine a patient inyet another location.

In another embodiment, content elements from similar events arerecommended to producers and broadcasters. In one example, several highschool football games are being broadcast live simultaneously. Scores,statistics, match highlights, featured commentary, photographs ofcelebrity attendees, and the like from each event are made available tothe other event broadcasters. During a break in play, or during thehalftime or final game summaries, the additional outside content can beinserted into the live event broadcast.

In another embodiment, a recording artist streams a live concert to aselect group of fans and or promoters. Each fan or promoter is from adifferent location and each has won the right to gather an audience intheir home, local pub, or club to view the live performance. The fansmay pay a fee or bid for the viewing rights and/or the event could besubsidized by advertisers based on fan involvement. In another example,the selected fans or promoters have won the right to redistribute theevent to their own fan, friend, and/or customer base.

In another embodiment, an outside content provider provides additionalaudio and/or video content to a producer of a live or other broadcastevent. In one example, a production crew in Long Beach uses three videocameras to capture and broadcast a live cycling event. A sponsor of theevent interviews riders and fans, and streams the media packages to theevent broadcast channel. The producers of the event edit into the livebroadcast any of the sponsor's video that is of interest to them.

In another embodiment, a winter sports event comprising down hill skiracing is video taped by fans, friends, relatives, and local newsreporters. Each content creator can upload video into an event library.Other content libraries comprising music, graphics, Foley, and the likeallow viewers to create professional content broadcasts of the wintersports event.

In another example, viewers interested in the New York marathon canvideo the race from their apartment or office windows, and stream thelive media up onto the dedicated broadcast channel. These video elementsare then edited into different broadcasts about the marathon. Theoriginal content providers may receive a percentage of revenues based ona pro rata usage of content.

In another embodiment, a track meet involving multiple simultaneousevents offers multiple video streams for convenient viewing. In oneexample, a viewer may be a fan of three events that are being held atthe same time. The viewer could select an event to watch in live modeand select a later button to hold the other events for viewing atanother time.

Another embodiment comprises a chess tournament involving multipleplayers from multiple locations. In one example, each player is from adifferent location and participates in the contest by broadcasting andreceiving live audio and video data. Fans from around the world canview, comment, and/or offer advice on one or many matchessimultaneously. In another example, one elite chess player competesagainst multiple players simultaneously in either the same match or manyindividual matches.

In another embodiment, skateboarders from around the world upload videoclips of their tricks and falls. Viewers, producers, and advertisers usethe content to create new production broadcasts. Viewers also vote,recommend, and pass on content to friends and the like. Skateboardersand/or content creators receiving the most votes or notoriety maybenefit from product manufacturer and/or advertiser endorsements.

In another embodiment, an ocean yacht race comprises GPS, satellite, andbroadband technologies. While a producer on each yacht streams video andGPS information via satellite to a production center, the content isstreamed via broadband to a broadcast channel for general viewing. Thecontent is also made available for other producers and news agencies fornew content production.

In another embodiment, comprising holographic and surround soundtechnologies, a live performance of a band in a stadium in London isviewed by millions of viewers around the world. In one example, the liveperformance is seen in another arena in Los Angeles with holographicimages of the band on the main stage and the original audio mix heardthrough the surround sound system. In another example, viewers watch theband perform in their living room. In another example, clubs around theworld sell tickets for a holographic reproduction of the concert. Theprocess 500 allows one performance in one location to be viewed bymultiple customers in multiple locations simultaneously. The process 500also allows the band to expand the earning potential of a singular liveperformance by charging a fee for each viewer or holographicreproduction.

In another embodiment comprising the search for talent, singers,musicians, comedians, actors, and the like from around the world submitvideo content auditions. Viewers can vote, pass the content on tofriends, use the content to create new broadcasts, and the like. Theartists receiving the most votes or notoriety are invited to participatein live talent broadcasts where they will be judged by viewers andexpert celebrities in their chosen art form. Winners can receiverecording, management, employment, artist contracts, and the like.

In another embodiment singers and bands from around the world, submitvideos performances of national anthems. Viewers can vote, pass thecontent on to friends, use the content to create new broadcasts and thelike. Singers and bands receiving the most votes may be invited toperform a national anthem at a live major sporting event. Fans, who maynot be interested in sports, can watch a live sporting event broadcastfeaturing the winning singer or band.

In another embodiment, a radio talk show produces a television talk showcomprising broadcast video, web cam, and green screen technologies.Listeners interact with the talk show host via web cams. Thelow-resolution video stream is edited into the broadcast quality videoproduction and via a green screen, the listeners are placed inside theset of the talk show.

In another embodiment, production content comprised of live performancesof bands and artists in garages, bars, clubs, theaters, and the like areedited into other live events such as sporting events, county fairs,political rallies, charity events and the like. The use of green screentechnology allows the original live band performance to appear as if itis part of the new event content.

In another embodiment, a viewer interacts with a broadcast by pausing,rewinding, and/or fast forwarding a live media stream within a mediaplayer. In one example a father watching his son's live school footballgame is interrupted by a phone call. The father pauses the livebroadcast and takes the phone call. Once the call is over he pressesplay on the media player and continues watching the game. At any time,he can fast forward to catch up to the actual live events or rewind toview other parts of the game.

In another embodiment, a viewer blocks specific programming comprisingof advertising and content. In one example, a parent creates apreference list to block any broadcast that contains violence. Theblocking preferences can be turned on or off on the receiving device andcan be activated during a live broadcast.

In another embodiment, multiple viewers become commentators in a livesporting event. In one example the commentators comprising of formercoaches, athletes, sports administrators and the like are watching alive sporting event and interacting with each other during thebroadcast. In another example, the former coaches are watching oldhighlight reels and sharing thoughts, stories, anecdotes and commentaryabout the events. In both examples, the actions of the commentatorscreate new content.

In other embodiments, the process 500 is used for interactive auctions,interactive retailers, interactive supermarket, interactive auto sales,bank and finance transactions, interactive search engine, interactivegambling, interactive video gaming, interactive graphics, interactiveconstruction, interactive mining, interactive transport, interactiveboardroom, interactive court proceedings, interactive governmentsessions, interactive human resources, interactive entertainment,interactive telecommunications, interactive market research, interactiveinterior design, interactive hotels, interactive business to business,interactive communities, interactive veterinary science, interactivesports, interactive product development, interactive talent search,interactive futures, interactive productions, interactive translation,interactive blue screen, interactive health, and the like.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform of the methods and systems described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of producing interactive television overthe Internet comprising: receiving over the Internet with at least oneserver a plurality of media content from at least two or more contentproviders, wherein the at least two or more content providers areseparate entities, and wherein the server is remotely located from theat least two or more content providers, one or more of the plurality ofmedia content comprising one or more of video or audio data;transmitting over the Internet, at least two portions of the pluralityof media content from the at least two or more content providers fromthe server to multiple first viewer computers, the multiple first viewercomputers remotely located from the server; receiving at the server overthe Internet, from the multiple first viewer computers that are remotelylocated from the server, first viewer input from the multiple firstviewers of the at least two portions of the plurality of media contenttransmitted over the Internet, and tracking with the server which of theat least two portions of the plurality of media content receive input;creating a viewer-customized media production by including the at leasttwo portions of the plurality of media content based at least in part onthe first viewer input; and transmitting the viewer-customized mediaproduction to at least a second viewer computer that is remotely locatedfrom the multiple first viewer computers, wherein advertising is in theviewer-customized media production.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein theat least two or more content providers own rights in the at least twoportions of the plurality of media content.
 3. The method of claim 1further comprising compensating the at least two or more contentproviders by providing a reward to the at least two or more contentproviders based at least in part on the usage of the at least twoportions of the plurality of media content in the viewer-customizedmedia production.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprisingcompensating the at least two or more content providers by paying the atleast two or more content providers a share of revenues associated withthe viewer-customized media production.
 5. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising providing a reward to either one or more of the multiplefirst viewers, or the second viewer.
 6. The method of claim 1 whereintransmitting the viewer-customized media production to the second viewercomprises sharing the viewer-customized media production with at leastone other viewer connected to the Internet.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the first viewer input further comprises at least one of asharing, voting, editing, survey results, talent scouting, sharing theat least two portions of the plurality of media content, sharing theviewer-customized media production, recommending, critiquing, requestingsimilar programming, responding to advertising, pausing, rewinding, fastforwarding, blocking, and an Internet Protocol address of the viewer. 8.The method of claim 1, where the plurality of media content comprises atleast one of streaming audio, streaming video, and streamingaudio/video.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least two portionsof the plurality of media content in the viewer-customized mediaproduction comprises at least one of: live interaction of multiplefeeds, editing, mixing, keying, adding sound effects, adding audiodigital replacement (ADR), adding graphics, editing graphics, addingvideo, editing video, adding audio, editing audio, adding music, addingsubtitles, adding animation, adding digital and analog special effects,using computer generated imagery, adding advertisements, creating newcommentary, adding text, creating new soundtrack, color grading,compositing, digital compositing performing voice over, using keyingtechnology, and using digital cinema technology.
 10. The method of claim1, wherein the second viewer edits the at least two portions of theplurality of media content in the viewer-customized media production tocreate a different viewer-customized media production.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the second viewer comprises a node of a peer-to-peernetwork.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least two portions ofthe plurality of media content is related to at least one of interactiveTV, interactive advertising, interactive sales, interactive news,interactive music, interactive concert, interactive medicine,interactive lessons, interactive events, interactive lifestyle,interactive talk radio, interactive theater, medical consultations,interactive auctions, interactive retailers, interactive supermarket,interactive auto sales, interactive bank and finance transactions,interactive search engine, interactive gambling, interactive videogaming, interactive graphics, interactive construction, interactivemining, interactive transport, interactive boardroom, interactive courtproceedings, interactive government sessions, interactive humanresources, interactive entertainment, interactive telecommunications,interactive market research, interactive interior design, interactivehotels, interactive business to business, interactive communities,interactive veterinary science, interactive sports, interactive productdevelopment, interactive talent search, interactive futures, interactiveproductions, interactive translation, interactive blue screen,interactive education, and interactive health.
 13. The method of claim1, wherein the viewer-customized media production comprises the at leasttwo portions of the plurality of media content for training or productup selling.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein either the one or more ofthe multiple first viewers, or the second viewer is rewarded for sharingthe viewer-customized media production on at least a node of apeer-to-peer network.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein either one ormore of the multiple first viewers, or the second viewer is rewarded forsharing the viewer-customized media production.
 16. The method of claim1, rewarding one or more of the multiple first viewers when the one ormore of the multiple first viewers manipulates the viewer-customizedmedia production.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprisingreceiving a bid from one or more of the multiple first viewersassociated with manipulating the viewer-customized media production. 18.An interactive television network comprising: plurality of media contentprovided by at least two or more content providers, wherein the at leasttwo or more content providers are separate entities, and the pluralityof media content received over the Internet, one or more of theplurality of media content comprising one or more video or audio data;at least one server comprising computer hardware that receives theplurality of media content from the Internet, wherein the at least oneserver is remotely located from the at least two or more contentproviders; wherein the at least one server transmits over the Internetat least two portions of the plurality of media content from at leasttwo content providers to multiple first viewer computers, the multiplefirst viewer computers remotely located from the at least one server;wherein the at least one server receives over the Internet from themultiple first viewer computers, first viewer input from the multiplefirst viewers of the at least two portions of the plurality of mediacontent transmitted over the Internet; wherein the server tracks whichof the at least two portions of the plurality of media content receivesinput; wherein the at least one server receives a viewer-customizedmedia production that is created by including the at least two portionsof the plurality of media content based at least in part on the firstviewer input; and wherein the at least one server transmits theviewer-customized media production to at least a second viewer computerthat is remotely located from the multiple first viewer computers,wherein at least advertising is in the viewer-customized mediaproduction
 19. The interactive television network of claim 18 whereincompensating the two or more content providers provides a reward to thetwo or more content providers based at least in part on the usage of theat least two portions of the plurality of media content in theviewer-customized media production.
 20. The interactive televisionnetwork of claim 18, wherein either one or more of the multiple firstviewers or the second viewer is rewarded for sharing theviewer-customized media production on at least a node of a peer-to-peernetwork.
 21. The interactive television network of claim 18, wherein oneor more of the multiple first viewers are rewarded for sharing theviewer-customized media production.
 22. The interactive televisionnetwork of claim 18 further comprising providing a reward to either oneor more of the multiple first viewers, or the second viewer.
 23. Theinteractive television network of claim 18, further comprising rewardingone or more of the multiple first viewers when the one or more firstviewers manipulates the viewer-customized media production.
 24. Theinteractive television network of claim 18, further comprising receivinga bid from one or more of the multiple first viewers associated withmanipulating the viewer-customized media production.
 25. The interactivetelevision network of claim 18 wherein the viewer-customized mediaproduction is created by further combining additional portions of theplurality of media content.
 26. The method of claim 1 wherein creatingthe viewer-customized media production further comprising additionalportions of the plurality of media content.
 27. The method of claim 1wherein the advertising is inserted based on at least in part oninterests of the second viewer.
 28. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising compensating the two or more content providers with a shareof revenues from at least the advertising based at least in part on theusage of the at least two portions of the plurality of media content inthe viewer-customized media production.
 29. The method of claim 1wherein the plurality of media content comprises at least one of liveinteraction of multiple feeds, editing, mixing, keying, adding soundeffects, adding audio digital replacement (ADR), adding graphics,editing graphics, adding video, editing video, adding audio, editingaudio, adding music, adding subtitles, adding animation, adding digitaland analog special effects, using computer generated imagery, addingadvertisements, creating new commentary, adding text, creating newsoundtrack, color grading, compositing, digital compositing performingvoice over, using keying technology, using digital cinema technology,polling, voting, manipulating, voice over, photographs, text, screencapturing, subtitles, language translation, animation, digital andanalog special effects, visual special effects, computer generatedimagery (CGI), color grading, compositing, digital compositing, digitalcinema technology, using keying technology, sound design, music,different languages, and commentary.
 30. The interactive televisionnetwork of claim 18 wherein the advertising is inserted based on atleast in part on interests of the second viewer.
 31. The interactivetelevision network of claim 18 wherein the at least one servercompensates the two or more content providers with a share of revenuesfrom at least the advertising based at least in part on the usage of theat least two portions of the plurality of media content in theviewer-customized media production.
 32. The interactive televisionnetwork of claim 18 wherein the plurality of media content comprises atleast one of live interaction of multiple feeds, editing, mixing,keying, adding sound effects, adding audio digital replacement (ADR),adding graphics, editing graphics, adding video, editing video, addingaudio, editing audio, adding music, adding subtitles, adding animation,adding digital and analog special effects, using computer generatedimagery, adding advertisements, creating new commentary, adding text,creating new soundtrack, color grading, compositing, digital compositingperforming voice over, using keying technology, using digital cinematechnology, polling, voting, manipulating, voice over, photographs,text, screen capturing, subtitles, language translation, animation,digital and analog special effects, visual special effects, computergenerated imagery (CGI), color grading, compositing, digitalcompositing, digital cinema technology, using keying technology, sounddesign, music, different languages, and commentary.